SOD takes part in Give Kids a Smile Day

Busloads of students from Galloway, Johnson and Smith Elementary schools visited the School of Dentistry on Feb. 11, 2011, for Give Kids a Smile Day, an annual event sponsored by the American Dental Association that provides free preventive screenings for kids nationwide.

All told, more than 1,000 Jackson students received dental exams at the University of Mississippi Medical Center's dental school or at a clinic at the Jackson Medical Mall Thad Cochran Center.

The event, coordinated by Marla Martin, director of clinical operations, is aimed at low-income children with little access to care.

It was the School of Dentistry's ninth year to hold the event.

Dr. Neva Eklund, chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, said the event is a great day but that one day is not enough to improve oral health or overall health in children. The long-term goal is to promote healthy habits.